In years past, I have made some extra cash during the holidays by wrapping presents.

Yes, you read that correctly. I was a master wrapper. But instead of working in a department store, I was paid to go to someone’s home, wrap and beautify gifts (with paper, bows, ribbons, etc. provided by the customer), eat food and cookies provided for me and chat them up while I did the work.

I couldn’t tell you how I got involved with it, but there were a few families who I assisted every year from my freshman year of college to my (second) senior year. Over that time, I formed a relationship with each one.

On a graduation card, one of the older women I helped wrote she would miss spending time with me at the holidays. I remember writing her back and letting her know that I still planned on working this holiday season.

Well, it didn’t happen.

I got home December 23rd, just making it in time to figure out dinner and baking plans for the evening. There was no time, and I was sad about my nonexistent holiday job. While it was a nice boost to my bank account, I honestly enjoyed spending time with the families I helped: learning the stories behind certain presents, hearing about family traditions for Christmas Eve and Day and sharing those with my customers.

Even though I was disappointed, I managed to survive by only wrapping my own presents. (It was a kind of like a sigh of relief! And my boy helped out!) Having all ten fingers working and not sore from the wear and tear of paper, tape and ribbons was a nice change, as well.

It makes me smile thinking back to my random holiday job. While it was more random than anything else, it was a bright spot during the season, and I always enjoyed myself.